Saturday, January 12, 2008

Ronald S. Burres -Arrested for Child Molestation

A 42-year-old New Albany man is in custody on allegations that he molested a 9-year-old girl, according to court records.

Ronald S. Burres, who last lived alongside Highwater Road, was charged Wednesday with class A felony child molesting. If convicted of the crime, Burres sentence could range from 20 to 50 years in prison, and he could also be fined $10,000.

The allegation stemmed from an incident that purportedly happened between February and March, according to a probable-cause affidavit filed in Floyd County Circuit Court. A friend of the alleged victim a 9-year-old classmate at an area elementary school � told their teacher in November that she believed someone had inappropriately touched her friend. Upon further investigation by school authorities and Child Protective Services, they learned the 9-year-old girl claimed Burres had performed oral sex on her, according to a probable-cause affidavit.

A Floyd County Sheriff's Department detective interviewed Burres on Tuesday, and he allegedly admitted he molested the girl and asked her if she liked it, records say.

When the girl told him she did not, Burres reportedly told authorities that he stopped the abuse, asked the child for forgiveness, and also asked her to pray for him.

Burres was arrested on suspicion of child molesting and appeared before Judge J. Terrence Cody on Wednesday. Cody set his bond at $200,000 court-cash, or about $20,000 cash, and Burres said he intended to hire an attorney.

His next court appearance is scheduled to be held Feb. 19. A trial date has not been set.